Lamp shades



Aug- 1, 1967 A. M. ZIEGLER ETAL 3,334,222

LAMP SHADES Filed Sept. 28, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS ANTHONY CARO ALVIN M. ZIEGLER ATTORNEY.

167 A. M. ZIEGLER ETAL 3,334,222

' LAMP SHADES Filed Sept. 28, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS ANTHONY CARO ALVIN M. ZlF GLER AT TOR NE Y.

United States Patent 3,334,222 LAMP SHADES Alvin M. Ziegler, 310 Grant Ave., Woodmen-e, N.Y.

11598, and Anthony Caro, 16051 25th Drive, Flushing, N.Y. 11358 Filed Sept. 28, 1964, Ser. No. 399,655 4 Claims. (Cl. 240-108) This invention relates to the art of lamp shades, more particularly to an improved lamp shade structure in which the desired decorative, and light-shielding and diffusing effects of a lamp shade are obtained without substantial interference with light transmission from the light source.

Contemporary decorating requirements dictate that an unshielded light source such as an incandescent, or fluo rescent lamp not be directly exposed to view. In order to comply with these decorative requirements, a variety of lamp shades have been evolved intended to enclose the light source, to prevent viewing of the so-called naked light bulb. These enclosures are formed with decorative contours intended to provide a desired esthetic effect, and to diffuse the light emanating from the light source. Such lamp shades are generally formed of a translucent material arranged around a frame or other support to enclose the light source. In attempting to decorate the translucent light enclosure, the utilization of opaque materials to effect desired decoration serves to minimize the effectiveness of light transmission.

It is with the above problems and desiderata in mind, that the present means have been evolved, means for providing a lamp shade structure in which desired decorative, and light diffusing effects can be obtained with minimal interference with light transmission from the light source.

It is accordingly among the primary objects of this in vention to provide an improved lamp shade having desired decorative features through which the provision of these desired decorative features offers minimal interference to the transmission of light through the shade.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved lamp shade having desired light diffusing properties and in which the interposition of decorative elements between the illuminated area and the light source does not substantially minimize the transmission of light from the diffusing portion of the shade.

'A'further important object of the invention is to provide a lamp shade structure in which the formation of decorative elements on the lamp shade may be obtained in a simple, effective manner, at relatively low cost.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lamp shade structure Which may readily be employed in connection with different types of mounts for a light source such as pole lamps, hanging lamps, table lamps, wall lamps, or the like.

These and other objects of the invention which will become hereafter apparent are achieved by forming a lamp shade with a translucent enclosure for a light source.

The enclosure is dimensioned so as to substantially en compass the exposed portion of a light source such as a light bulb of either the incandescent or fluorescent type. The material of which this translucent light enclosure is formed is selected from that class of materials capable of transmitting light from one side thereof to the other, and additionally be provided with a reflective exposed surface. Secured to the translucent light enclosure, are one or more decorative elements contoured in any desired decorative shape, and having a major portion thereof spaced from the exposed surface of the light enclosure. The decorative element is preferably formed with a decoratively contoured aperture, and a decorative light transmitting insert is provided for arrangement within the aperture. By virtue of the arrangement of the decorative member with respect to the light enclosure, desired decorative effects are obtained, and due to the spacing of the decorative element from the light enclosure, the light transmitted from the enclosure is permitted to pass to the illuminated area substantially without interference. The normal tendency of the light rays which impinge on the decorative elements to be reflected back to the light source and thus be prevented from emission to the illuminated area is substantially minimized by virtue of the fact that these light rays are again reflected from the reflecting surface of the light enclosure at an angle such as to pass the decorative element on being reflected.

A feature of the invention resides in the utilization of strips of sheet material for the formation of the decorative element, as a result of which these strips may readily be stamped out into desired decorative contour by mass production techniques, and may be secured to the light enclosure by the utilization of readily available production fastening elements such as rivets, staples or the like.

Another feature of the invention resides in the use of a plurality of decorative strips to form the decorative elements whereby the strips may be mass-produced of a like contour.

A further feature of the invention resides in the use of stock tubing in the formation of the light enclosure and with such tubing dimensioned of suflicient crosssectional diameter to readily encompass the light enclosure, and subject to being cut off at desired lengths to implement fabrication.

The specific details of a preferred embodiment of the invention, and their mode of functioning will be made most manifest and particularly pointed out in clear, concise, and exact terms in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective elevational view of a lamp shade embodying the herein disclosed inventive concept;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing the passage of a light ray from the light enclosure;

F163 is a perspective elevational view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view on line 4-4 of FIG. 3 through the fastening point of a decorative element and the light enclosure; I

FIG. 5 is a perspective elevational view of another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective elevational view of another lamp shade embodying the instant inventive concept.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, like numerals in the various figures will be employed to designate like parts.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, lamp shade 10 is formed by utilizing a light enclosure 11, which as shown in the illustrated embodiment is cylindrical in cross-section as a result of which it may readily be fabricated from standard tubing. A variety of different types of material may be employed in forming this translucent light enclosure. Plastics such as polystyrene, methyl methacrylate or polyvinyl chloride, are found particularly suitable. The tubing is preferably formed with a polished exterior surface serving to provide desired reflection, as hereinafter described.

A plurality of decorative elements 15 are secured at' spaced intervals about the exterior of the light enclosure '11, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. These decorative elements 15 may be formed of any one of a variety of relatively rigid sheet materials. It is found that desired de'corative effects may be most readily obtained by the utilization of strips of wood which lend themselves to being stamped and formed into any desired contour. The decorative element 15 is formed with a central aperture 16 extending completely through the decorative element 15, as best seen in FIG. 2. Arranged on the rear face of the decorative element 15 to cover aperture 16, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2, is a light transmitting insert 17 which may be formed of a variety of light transmitting materials having a reflective rear surface. Sheet plastics are found particularly useful for this purpose in that they lend themselves to ready handling, and ready contouring to con form to the shape of the decorative element.

The decorative elements 15 are secured in the FIG. 1 and 2 embodiment of the invention with respect to the light enclosing element 11 by the utilization of rivets 20, the head ends of which are shown in FIG. 2 as formed on the exterior surface of decorative element 15, and on the interior surface of the light enclosure 11. In the FIG. 1 and 2 embodiment of the invention, a spacer 22 is employed to insure the fact that a major portion of the decorative element 15 is spaced from the exterior surface of light enclosure 11 for a purpose to be made hereinafter more apparent. Spacer 22 as shown is formed by utilization of a knurled dowel having an axial aperture through which the rivet 20 extends.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment of the invention, the numerals employed to designate the components of the illustrated structure will be like those employed in conjunction with the FIGS. 1 and 2 embodiments of the invention, save for the fact that the prefix 3 will be utilized along with the numerals employed in FIG. 1 and 2 embodiments. The lamp shade 310 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is formed by means of a cylindrical light enclosure 311, fabricated in the fashion described in conjunction with the light enclosure 11 of the FIG. 1 and 2 embodiment.

Secured to the light enclosure 311 are a plurality of spaced decorative elements 315 contoured as best seen in FIG. 3. These decorative elements 315 are formed of any one of a variety of materials lending themselves to desired contouring. Sheet plastic, wood, or sheet metal may readily be employed. The sheet material employed informing the decorative elements 315 is stamped out with apertures 316, and a decorative insert 317 is arranged within the aperture 316.

The decorative elements 315 are secured to the light enclosure 311 by the utilization of fastening members such as rivets 320, which as seen in FIG. 4 extend from the outer surface of decorative element 315 through to the inner surface of light enclosure 311. The contouring of the decorative elements 315, and the spacing of the rivets 320 are such as to maintain a major portion of the decorative element 315 at a spaced distance with respect to the exterior surface of the light enclosure 311.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a container 330 is provided at the free end of decorative elements 315 and joined theretoby means of rivets 331. This container 330 may be suitably formed of sheet metal, plastic, or the like, and may be employed either as a planter, as a support for the light source, or the like.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 5, the tens and units digits employed to designate like components in the FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 embodiments of the invention will be prefixed by the hundreds numeral 5. Thus the lamp shade 510 as illustrated in FIG. 5 is formed by a light enclosure 511, which as illustrated is of a cylindrical configuration, and as in connection with the FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 embodiments of the invention is adapted for formation by cutting off a suitable length to form the enclosure from an elongate tube of suitable material.

Arranged at spaced intervals about the periphery of the cylindrical light enclosure 511 are a plurality of decorative elements 515 formed of any one of a variety of desirable materials having desired esthetic surface properties, and as previously described satisfactorily formed of food or the like. Where Wood strips are employed they are bent as illustrated so as to insure the fact that when the decorative elements 515 are conjoined with respect to the light enclosure 515, a major portion of the decorative element 515 is spaced from the exterior surface of the light enclosure 511. In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the upper and lower ends of the decorative elements 515 are secured with respect to the light enclosure 511 by the utilization of fastening elements such as rivets 520 which are headed on the interior and exterior ends thereof so as to secure the decorative elements 515 in fixed position with respect to the light enclosure 511.

Formed preferably at the center of the decorative elements 515 is an aperture 516, and a decorative insert 517 is arranged to cover the aperture 516. Decorative insert 517, in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 may be most effectively conjoined with respect to the decorative elements 515 by securing the insert 517 to the rear face of the decorative elements 515 so as to cover the aperture 516.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 6, the numerals employed to designate similar elements in the FIG. 1 embodiment of the invention will be prefixed by the hundreds digit 6. Thus the lamp shade 610 seen to be formed by means of a light enclosure 611. Light enclosure 611 is of a cylindrical shape, and is provided with top flange 612 and bottom flange 613 at opposed ends thereof. In fabrication, it is preferred to cut off the desired length of tubing to form the enclosure 611 of desired height, and thereafter to flange the cut-off end of the tube to form flanges 612 and 613.

Secured at spaced intervals about the light enclosure 611 are a plurality of decorative elements 615, contoured as illustrated so that a major portion of the decorative element 615 is spaced from the surface of light enclosure 611. The free ends of the decorative element 615 are secured to the flanges .612 and 613 by the utilization of fastening elements such as rivets 620. A central portion of the decorative element 615 is preferably formed with an aperature 616, and a decorative insert 617 is arranged to cover the aperture 616 in the fashion described in conjunction with the FIG. 5 embodiment of the invention.

Operation The aforementioned embodiments of a lamp shade may be utilized in a variety of fashions, and fabricated by utilizing a variety of production techniques.

It is preferred to fabricate the lamp by the utilization of polystyrene tubing of a cylindrical dimension sufficient to encompass the light source in conjunction with which the lamp shade is employed. From this polystyrene tubing, a desired length is cut to form a cylinder of desired length such as to substantially enclose the lamp bulb or bulbs in conjunction with which the shade is employed.

The decorative elements are fabricated preferably of wood which is cut into strips and contoured as desired with a length such as to extend over the light enclosure, adapted for securement thereto with a major portion of the decorative element spaced from the light enclosure.

The decorative insert may be most economically formed of sheet plastic having either desired decorative imprints such as a mosaic imprint, or the like, and is cut to fit over the aperture in the decorative element.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment of the invention, it will be noted that the aperture 16 is provided with a peripheral recess about the interior surface of decorative element 15 so that the insert 17 fits within this recess. This arrangement is not required, however, and the decorative insert may readily be secured to the rear surface of decorative element 15 to overlie the aperture, as shown in the FIG. 3, 5, and 6 embodiments of the invention.

In use the lamp shade is arranged over the light source and maintained in position at any one of a variety of fashions. The particular lamp shades here shown are adapted for use either in conjunction with hanging fixtures, pole lamps, table lamps, or floor lamps.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the mode of functioning of the lamp shade is shown to be such as to substantially minimize light losses created by the provision of the decorative elements necessary to create desired esthetic effects. The dash lines shown in FIG. 2 illustrate diagrammatically the path of a ray of light coming from a light source positioned within the light enclosure \11.

The dash line illustrated in the upper left quadrant of FIG. 2 shows the path of a light ray emanating from the light source and passing between the decorative elements to the area to be illuminated.

The dash line shown in the upper right hand quadrant of FIG. 2 shows the path of a light ray emanating from the light source enclosed by light enclosure 11, with the light ray impinging on the inner surface of the decorative element 15. This light ray impinging on the inner surface of decorative element 15 is reflected back to the light enclosure 11 from the rear surface of decorative element 15, which is preferably formed with a reflective inner surface. The light ray impinging on the rear surface of decorative element 15 is reflected back to the exterior surface of light enclosure 11. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, since the angle of incidence of the light ray is equal to the angle of reflection of the light ray from a refleeting surface, the majority of light rays striking the rear surface of decorative element 15 will upon being reflected back to the exterior surface of arcuately contoured light enclosure 11 be reflected therefrom at an angle such as to pass between the decorative elements 15.

It is thus seen that a simple lamp shade structure has been evolved in which desired decorative, and lightshielding effects may be obtained with minimum interference with the transmission of light from a light source to an area to be illuminated. The novel lamp shade lends itself to ready fabrication by mass production techniques and is subject to eflicient and economic production.

The above disclosure has been given by way of illustration and elucidation and not by way of limitation, and it is desired to protect all embodiments of the herein disclosed inventive concept within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A lamp shade comprising a light enclosure having an outer polished reflective surface dimensioned to encompass an exposed surface of a light source, said light enclosure having an interior surface spaced from the light source; a decorative element secured to said light enclosure having a major portion thereof spaced from the exterior surface of the light enclosure, and dimensioned to permit free exposure of a portion of the light enclosure to the illuminated area, the surface of the decorative element facing the light enclosure having a reflective surface positioned to reflect the light back to the light enclosure for reflection therefrom, whereby the apparent intensity of light from the exposed portion of the enclosure appears greater.

2. A lamp shade as in claim 1 in which said decorative element comprises a plurality of strips of sheet material having uniform spacing between their axes.

3. A lamp shade as in claim 2 in which said strips forming said decorative element are provided with an aperture; and a light transmitting insert is positioned on said element to cover said aperture.

4. A lamp shade as in claim 1 in which said decorative elements comprise a plurality of spaced strips having one end secured to said light enclosure; and a container secured to said strips forming said decorative elements at the opposite end thereof.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS D. 134,183 10/1942 Warde 240108 2,060,005 11/1936 Fletcher et al. 240-10 2,435,786 2/ 1948 Klosek 240--l0 X 2,500,899 3/1950 Leahan 240-10 X 2,810,820 l0/ 1957 Nelson 240-10 3,115,310 12/1963 Hofman 24078 X FOREIGN PATENTS 1,049,807 2/ 1959 Germany.

NORTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner.

C. C. LOGAN, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A LAMP SHADE COMPRISING A LIGHT ENCLOSURE HAVING AN OUTER POLISHED REFLECTIVE SURFACE DIMENSIONED TO ENCOMPASS AN EXPOSED SURFACE OF A LIGHT SOURCE, SAID LIGHT ENCLOSURE HAVNG AN INTERIOR SURFACE SPACED FROM THE LIGHT SOURCE; A DECORATIVE ELEMENT SECURED TO SAID LIGHT ENCLOSURE HAVING A MAJOR PORTION THEREOF SPACED FROM THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE LIGHT ENCLOSURE, AND DIMENSIONED TO PERMIT FREE EXPOSURE OF A PORTION OF THE LIGTH ENCLOSURE TO THE ILLUMINATED AREA, THE SURFACE OF THE DECORATIVE ELEMENT FACING THE LIGHT ENCLOSURE HAVING A REFLECTIVE SURFACE PORTIONED TO REFLECT THE LIGHT BACK TO THE LIGHT ENCLOSURE FOR REFLECTION THEREFROM, WHEREBY THE APPARENT INTENSITY OF LIGHT FROM THE EXPOSED PORTION OF THE ENCLOSURE APPEARS GREATER. 